Our Wine Guide to Summer Storage: Keep Your Vino Cool and Classy

Our Wine Guide to Summer Storage: Keep Your Vino Cool and Classy

Hey there, fabulous wine makers of North Vancouver! Summer is here, and while we love the sunshine and BBQs, the heat can be a real buzzkill for your precious homemade wine. Imagine spending all that time perfecting your batch only to have it spoiled because of improper storage. Gasp! Fear not, we’ve got you covered with some top-notch tips to keep your wine tasting fine.

Temperature Tantrums: Keep Your Cool 

First things first, let’s talk temperature. Your wine is basically a diva—it needs to stay cool, ideally between 50-59°F (10-15°C). Too hot, and it’ll age too quickly; too cold, and it’ll go into hibernation. Avoid storing your bottles in a garage, attic, or any place that turns into a sauna during summer. Trust us, even in the great North Van, those spots can get toasty enough to cook your wine.

Humidity Harmony: Not Too Dry, Not Too Damp

Humidity is your wine’s second-best friend. Aim for a sweet spot around 70%. Too dry, and your corks can shrink, letting in unwanted air. Too damp, and you might end up with moldy labels (ew!). Basements can be great for this, but if yours feels like a swamp, consider investing in a dehumidifier.

Lay It Down: Keep Those Bottles Horizontal

When it comes to storing your wine, horizontal is the way to go. We use semi synthetic corks that allow the wine to breathe but the wine needs to be on its side to saturate and expand the cork to create a seal. This keeps the cork moist, preventing it from drying out and letting in air. Plus, it looks super professional. Imagine your friends’ impressed faces when they see your wine laid out like a true connoisseur’s collection. Go ahead, give yourself a pat on the back!

The Dark Side: Embrace It  

Wine and light are not a match made in heaven. UV rays can degrade and prematurely age wine. This is why you should store your bottles in a dark place. Think of it as your wine’s beauty sleep—keep it out of direct sunlight, and it’ll stay youthful and delicious for longer.

Rinse and Repeat: The Bottle Routine

Before you even get to storing, let’s talk about those bottles. Once you’ve savored your wine, rinse the bottles thoroughly and store them upside down. This prevents any leftover liquid from turning into a nasty, bacteria-loving residue. Next time you’re ready to bottle a new batch, you’ll thank yourself for this little bit of foresight.

Garage Gripes: Find a Better Spot

We get it—storing wine in a garage seems convenient. But unless you’ve got a temperature-controlled wine cellar in there (lucky you!), it’s a no-go. The fluctuating temps are a nightmare for your wine. Instead, find a cooler spot inside your home. A closet in an air-conditioned room or a dedicated wine fridge can be perfect alternatives.

So there you have it, wine aficionados! Follow these tips, and your homemade wine will age gracefully, rewarding you with every sip. Now go forth, store wisely, and may your glasses always be half-full! Cheers! 🍷

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Cork It Wine Making

Pickup available, usually ready in 24 hours

1427 Crown Street
North Vancouver, BC V7J 1G4
(604) 986-7475

Hours:
Tuesday 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Wednesday 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Thursday 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Friday 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Sunday Closed
Monday Closed

Closed Long Weekends